What’s the Total Cost of Horse Trailer Ownership? (And How to Save Thousands)

“Best resale value on the market! We purchased a used 2018 2-horse gooseneck with small living quarters five years ago. Today, we sold our little trailer to a new family — and its value held up so incredibly well from the original purchase price, it feels like a miracle!”

— Kristin, Double D Trailer Owner

Kristin’s story is exactly what most buyers hope for… but rarely get.

When she bought a used Double D trailer, she wasn’t just getting a great ride or smart layout. She was investing in long-term quality that actually pays off. Years later, the trailer still towed like a dream, held together beautifully, and sold for a price that most brands simply couldn’t touch.

And that’s the real point: When it comes to horse trailers, sticker price is only part of the story. The real number that matters is what you pay over time, once you factor in maintenance, repairs, insurance, and, most importantly, resale value.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what “total cost of ownership” actually means, how most trailers quietly cost more than buyers expect, and how choosing the right design and construction upfront can save you thousands in the long run.

🔗 Related Resource: Want a full breakdown of what goes into horse trailer pricing, including financing tips, upgrade costs, and how different models compare? Check out our Horse Trailer Cost Guide for a detailed look at real-world prices and how to budget wisely.

What Does “Total Cost of Ownership” Really Mean?

When we talk about total cost of ownership, we’re referring to everything you pay from the day you take delivery to the day you sell or trade it in. This includes:

• Purchase Price (or down payment + financing interest)
• Taxes and Registration Fees
• Insurance
• Maintenance and Repairs
• Resale Value (or depreciation)

Here’s the simple formula:

Total Cost of Ownership =
Purchase Price + Ownership Costs − Resale Value

If you plan to resell your trailer at some point then resale value is just as important as what you pay up front.

Example: Buying a $50,000 Horse Trailer

Let’s say you spend $50,000 on a custom 2-horse bumper pull trailer with upgraded safety features.

If you take care of it and decide to sell 5 years later, what’s it actually going to cost you?

With a typical mass-produced trailer:

• Purchase Price: $45,000
• Maintenance & Repairs: $5,000+
• Resale Value after 5 years: ~$25,000
• Total Ownership Cost: $25,000+
  

With a Double D Trailer:

• Purchase Price: $50,000
• Maintenance (5 years): ~$1,500
• Resale Value after 5 years: $40,000–$45,000
• Total Ownership Cost: As low as $6,500–$11,500

That’s a potential savings of over $18,000 over five years, not because of price, but because of long-term value.

Why Resale Value Should Matter to Every Buyer

Trailers built with lower-grade materials and cookie-cutter construction depreciate fast, just like budget cars. Once they’re a few years old, they show wear, feel outdated, and don’t inspire buyer confidence.

On the other hand, trailers with:

• Custom design
• Corrosion-resistant frame (like Z-Frame)
• Proven safety innovations (like SafeTack Reverse)
• RVIA-standard interiors
  …tend to hold their value for the long haul. Read more on why RVIA certification matters for your horse trailer 

That’s why Double D Trailers routinely sell used for 80–90% of their original value, while many others drop below 50% in just a few years.

Maintenance Costs Add Up (Unless You Build It Right)

Another factor that drives up ownership cost? Maintenance and repairs.

Mass-produced trailers often require:

• Floor replacements after a few years
• Roof resealing
• Ramp hinge repairs
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Fixes for poorly secured walls, doors, or dividers
  

With a Double D Trailer, you avoid most of these costs altogether. Why? Because every model is:

• Constructed with non-rusting Z-Frame
• Uses composite SafeKick wall system
• Has SafeBump leak-proof roof
• Built differently: to minimize vibration, corrosion, and wear. See how Double D Trailers are built

We’ve had customers drive the same trailer for 10+ years with little more than routine cleaning and tire replacements.

👀 Think of it like this:
A cheaper trailer might cost less today…
But over five years, repairs alone can wipe out any savings… and then some.

Read more on what sets Double D Trailers apart

Cash vs. Financing: Does It Affect Total Cost?

Yes, but not always in the way you’d expect.

Let’s break it down:

Option 1: Pay Cash

• Pay the full amount up front
• No interest
• Higher initial out-of-pocket
• Lower total cost over time
• More equity if you resell

Option 2: Finance (Example: 15% down over 5 years at 7.5% APR)

• Down Payment: ~$6,150
• Monthly Payments: ~$827
• Interest Paid Over 5 Years: ~$5,012
• First-Year Out-of-Pocket: ~$16,000
• More accessible for most buyers
  

If you plan to resell in 5 years for $40K+, that return still offsets your interest meaning financing can still result in a low total cost, especially on a high-resale trailer.

Learn how to finance a horse trailer and avoid costly mistakes

Use our horse trailer financing calculator to determine what your monthly payments will be

Quick Comparison: Total Cost to Own (Over 5 Years)

Or if you’d like a custom quote and resale analysis based on your exact build, we’re happy to help.

📞 Schedule a Free Build Call With Our Staff

Bottom Line: Total Cost is About More Than Price

Most buyers ask, “How much is the trailer?” But the smarter question is: “What will this trailer cost me — really — over the next 5 to 10 years?”

At Double D Trailers, our goal is to build trailers that not only keep your horses safer, but also keep more money in your pocket long term. That’s real value, and that’s what sets us apart.